Hill represents CNMI at Cherry Blossom Festival

Princess Natalie Palacios Hill represented the CNMI in this year’s Cherry Blossom Festival held in Washington, DC, earlier this month. Hill, the daughter of Frances P. and Frederick Hill of San Antonio, Saipan, was among the young women from the various states and territories to participate in this special celebration.

The CNMI community of the Washington, DC area, hosted a reception in honor of Natalie at Marianas House. Resident Representative Pete A. Tenorio opened the ceremony by congratulating Natalie and extended appreciation to outgoing princess, Cynnara Mafnas.

“Cynnara has represented the CNMI with grace and elegance and has done a tremendous job in promoting our islands,” said Tenorio. “Now the torch has been passed to Natalie who will carry out the duties and responsibilities that go along with her reign. I know Natalie will do an excellent job as CNMI goodwill ambassador.”

The National Conference of States Societies hosts the Cherry Blossom Princess Program and it is an association of 54 state and territorial associations of which the CNMI has joined this year. Membership in NCSS gave Princess Natalie the opportunity to “spin the wheel”, that determines which princess will be crowned Cherry Blossom Queen of the Festival. In 2004, we did not have membership in NCSS so Princess Cynnara joined the festival as an international princess, ineligible to become Queen.

Since 1948, state societies have selected accomplished young women to share their state’s rich culture, traditions and history with national and international visitors and dignitaries at the annual Cherry Blossom Festival. The Princesses participate in a weeklong program of educational, leadership and cultural activities, as they serve their nation and respective state or territory.

The Cherry Blossom Festival annually commemorates the 1912 gift of 3,000 cherry trees to the City of Washington from Mayor Yukio Ozaki of Tokyo. The gift was designed to enhance the growing friendship between the U.S. and Japan and celebrate the continued close relationship between the two peoples. This year’s celebration marks the 94th anniversary of the Festival.

Princess Natalie is currently pursuing a M.A. in American History at George Mason University in Virginia. She plans to teach high school civics before exploring a career in archaeology.

“I am delighted to have the chance to be a part of the Cherry Blossom Festival and to represent the Northern Mariana Islands. This is a wonderful opportunity to meet important dignitaries, network with accomplished people, and make new friends,” said Natalie.

She will hold the title as CNMI Cherry Blossom Princess until the cherry trees bloom again next year, sometime late March or early April. (PR)